Volvo is recalling 507,000 vehicles because of a faulty engine component that in extreme cases could result in a fire. Volvo said its own investigations have identified that “in very rare cases the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform” in models made between 2014 and 2019 and fitted with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine around the world. With scorching temperatures of … [Read more...]
Used buyers not checking before purchase
Millions of first-time motorists are purchasing a vehicle without checking it over, a study has found. Cars are traditionally one of the most expensive purchases to make, with motorists typically spending around £3,000 on their first set of wheels. Choosing the wrong vehicle can be costly as well as dangerous - but 63 per cent of new drivers failed to research their purchase properly or … [Read more...]
Sellers & buyers would benefit from central service bank
A central resource that provides access to the service histories of all the cars and vans that form the UK car parc is urgently needed by the remarketing sector, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The organisation, which represents businesses that handle, sell, inspect, transport or manage more than 1.5 million used vehicles every year, says that missing service histories can have an … [Read more...]
Pushy tactics and bad reviews hit used sales
A reputation for pushy sales tactics and negative online reviews are the top reasons why drivers would be deterred from visiting or buying from a used car dealer, analysis by AA Cars, the AA’s used car website, has found. A reputation for pushy sales tactics would dissuade almost a fifth (19%) of motorists, while 18% of car buyers see negative online reviews of a dealer as a turn-off. Online … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 May
About 42% of Cardiff commuters admit to being stressed by their journeys and the Welsh capital ranks eighth in the list of the UK’s top ten worst cities. The poll for property company Good Move put York and London at the top of the stress list with 51% of drivers affected. New info-tainment systems are proving a headache for owners of the latest cars with unreliability the main feature of … [Read more...]
Turning the corner with Alfa Romeo
Car sales are a series of ups and downs but there are strong signs that Alfa Romeo has turned the corner this year, writes Robin Roberts. A recent independent survey of owners who have used their models for some time concluded that the sporting Italian brand was second only to Lexus in terms of overall satisfaction with models, manufacturer and dealership support. It was the highest placed … [Read more...]
Rising use of on-line motor disputes service
The Motor Ombudsman has recorded in excess of 12,000 searches and 25,000 article views on its Knowledge Base during the first quarter of this year. The online tool was launched in January as part of the body’s focus to make it quicker and simpler for motorists to resolve queries and complaints when buying and running a car, prior to formally raising a case with The Motor Ombudsman. Using the … [Read more...]
Dealers disappointing customers with servicing – J D Power
Dealers are letting down customers and their brands with poor communication when it comes to servicing, according to the J.D. Power 2019 UK Customer Service Index Study released today. While some brands stand out for good communication, others are missing opportunities to build trust, relationships and satisfaction. Sizable gaps exist between how customers prefer to schedule vehicle service … [Read more...]
Newslines 25 February
The latest Mazda3 coming to the UK from May will begin at £20,595. The 18-strong range of petrol and diesel hatchbacks has five trims running up to £27,735. Ford will conduct an investigation after concerns raised by its own employees over the 'analytical modelling' standards that it employs as part of its US fuel economy and emissions compliance process, says Just-Auto.com . In the wake … [Read more...]
EVs & hybrids used propositions explained
The increasing numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles making their way onto the used market will be the focus of the first Vehicle Remarketing Association meeting of 2019, taking place on 23 January at Fleet Auction Group, Coalville. Key presentations will include Ian Featherstone of the Energy Saving Trust on background drivers for EV and hybrid adoption, vehicle and charging developments, … [Read more...]